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According to U.S. Census Bureau data, recessions in the economy during the past 25 years have not had major effects on the divorce rate. In fact, in the early 1980s, the divorce rate started to slowly decrease (after steadily increasing during the prior 20 years).
Is the Common Wisdom Correct?
However, some say that the "common wisdom" dictates a higher divorce rate when the economy gets tougher. Marriage counselors have contended that the extra stress that financial problems can present during a recession is the "last straw" for couples who were in trouble to begin with. Divorce attorneys have theorized that when money is short in a relationship, some spouses will simply "want out." Therapists have noted the negative effects of emotional depression due to stress on a marriage, too.
Assets and Liabilities
For some couples, the recession will actually be a good time to split up; their assets may have decreased in value so much that it's not as big a deal to divide them up in a divorce. However, for many more couples and their lawyers, the central issue won't be how to divide assets and property — it will be how to divide their debts and liabilities.
Indeed, many marital homes are already un-sellable, decreased in value, or being foreclosed on. Many couples are finding themselves unable to afford to get divorced, and this scenario is becoming more common as the recession looms.
More Affairs and Liaisons?
The emotional fallout from a recession may also include more adultery and sex-related activity. Divorce expert Jill Brooke recently noted that "Study after study shows that men deal with stress through escapism [e.g., having an affair] and women deal with it by talking…online porn, massage parlors and escort services are cheaper and quicker than therapy, especially if you lost your health insurance."
(Source: Time Magazine)
If a possible recession is fueling your desire or need for a divorce, contact us to speak with a divorce attorney in your area to discuss your concerns.